The end of 2023 was full of love, fun, and travel for me and my Susan Dawson hubby, Mike. We had the wonderful opportunity to take a trip we planned in 2020 on the Danube River during the 2023 Christmas markets. I wasn't all that familiar with these until the trip was on the books, but say the words Christmas and Markets, and I'm in! Add the words river and cruise, and you can just book me a ticket. Our adventure began with a 3-day pre-excursion in Budapest, Hungary. This cruise was our first experience in any of the Eastern European countries, and it was eye-opening, to say the least. During our trip, we toured the amazing Budapest Parliament building that was bombed during WWII and then rebuilt to its former glory. The citizens took the hundreds of stained glass windows that encircle the building from their frames and stored them in the basement of the building. I Our time in Prague, Czech Republic, was inspiring. One of the few large The Christmas markets that occupy many of the city cities not bombed in WWII, their city architecture is breathtaking. Our squares include mini booths selling everything from mulled visit to the Museum of Communism made me even more grateful to wine and hand-crafted treasures to chimney cakes and live in our wonderful United States. bratwurst grilled to perfection. Each town has unique Back in Flower Mound, Texas, we celebrated a special Christmas with features for its markets. One treasure I found in a tiny our daughter, son-in-love, and grandson. New Year's was rung in at village called Szentendre, was this hand-carved Santa. It home with a few close friends. was love at first sight. I'm looking forward to an incredible 2024. We have some exciting Our Viking ship was beautiful and filled with Christmas love things to share with you, our RFG clients. Plus, at home, I'm embarking and décor. Traditional cookie baking and decorating classes on a kitchen garden adventure. Mike and I will build two raised kitchen were taught by our head chef, along with his exceptional garden beds in our backyard and attempt to supplement our store- meals highlighting each port. We experienced multiple bought salad and veggies with fresh, hand-raised goodness from the music events, including children's choirs, opera, an organ garden. Tomatoes, squash, and basil are first on my list. I'll keep you concert at Gottweig Abbey in Krems, Austria, and several posted! classical concerts along the way. Susan